TY - JOUR

T1 - Dealing with High-Risk Police Activities and Enhancing Safety and Resilience

T2 - Qualitative Insights into Austrian Police Operations from a Risk Perception and Group Dynamic Perspective

AU - Renner, Renate

AU - Cvetković, Vladimir

AU - Lieftenegger, Nicola

PY - 2025

Y1 - 2025

N2 - Special police units, such as Austria’s EKO Cobra, are uniquely trained to manage high-risk operations, including terrorism, amok situations, and hostage crises. This study delves into the operational risks and the critical role of group dynamics in fostering safety and enhancing resilience, emphasizing the interconnectedness of risk perception, training, and operational practices. Based on problem-centred interviews with current and former EKO Cobra membersthe research identifies key risk factors such as overconfidence, insufficient training, inadequate equipment, and the challenges posed by high-stakes scenarios. Using a structured yet flexible approach, the study integrates a group dynamics model as a theoretical framework and analyzes the data semi-inductively semi-deductivelyby applying a a qualitative research approach. The study examines risk categorization in ad-hoc operations, the interplay between risk perception and training, and actionable strategies to enhance safety and preparedness through tailored training programs. The findings underscore the transformative impact of intensive scenario-based and high-stress training exercises, which significantly improve situational awareness, automate critical actions, and reinforce teamwork. Group dynamics, including cohesion and effective communication, emerge as pivotal factors in mitigating risks and ensuring operational success. Crucially, this research highlights the broader sustainability dimensions in law enforcement, advocating for continuous, specialized training that is adaptive to emerging challenges. By linking theoretical frameworks with practical, actionable insights, the study proposes a holistic training approach that promotes resilience and long-term sustainability in police operations. These findings are relevant to elite units like EKO Cobra and provide valuable guidance for broader police frameworks, contributing to become safer, more effective and resilient.

AB - Special police units, such as Austria’s EKO Cobra, are uniquely trained to manage high-risk operations, including terrorism, amok situations, and hostage crises. This study delves into the operational risks and the critical role of group dynamics in fostering safety and enhancing resilience, emphasizing the interconnectedness of risk perception, training, and operational practices. Based on problem-centred interviews with current and former EKO Cobra membersthe research identifies key risk factors such as overconfidence, insufficient training, inadequate equipment, and the challenges posed by high-stakes scenarios. Using a structured yet flexible approach, the study integrates a group dynamics model as a theoretical framework and analyzes the data semi-inductively semi-deductivelyby applying a a qualitative research approach. The study examines risk categorization in ad-hoc operations, the interplay between risk perception and training, and actionable strategies to enhance safety and preparedness through tailored training programs. The findings underscore the transformative impact of intensive scenario-based and high-stress training exercises, which significantly improve situational awareness, automate critical actions, and reinforce teamwork. Group dynamics, including cohesion and effective communication, emerge as pivotal factors in mitigating risks and ensuring operational success. Crucially, this research highlights the broader sustainability dimensions in law enforcement, advocating for continuous, specialized training that is adaptive to emerging challenges. By linking theoretical frameworks with practical, actionable insights, the study proposes a holistic training approach that promotes resilience and long-term sustainability in police operations. These findings are relevant to elite units like EKO Cobra and provide valuable guidance for broader police frameworks, contributing to become safer, more effective and resilient.

KW - Risk

KW - safety

KW - resilience

KW - qualitative social research

KW - risk perception

KW - group dynamic

U2 - 10.20944/preprints202502.1967.v1

DO - 10.20944/preprints202502.1967.v1

M3 - Article

JO - Preprints

JF - Preprints

SN - 2310-287X

ER -